“‘Life begins at the end of your comfort zone’

Neale Donald Walsh, author

I am a UESCA Certified endurance running coach, a Life and Performance Coach and a Runner!

I have always had an avid interest in sport. It has always played a major role in my life and I have competed in a variety of sports from a very young age including hockey, tennis, golf and most recently running. Having taken up running late in life, at the age of 47, it has become my passion! I have represented Ireland at a Masters (veteran) level in various events and have medalled at National, British, and European Championships, and have assisted in coaching at club level for several years.

Change of career

Originally from a Science background (Pharmacology and Neuroscience ) , I spent over 20 years in a the pharmaceutical/healthcare industry in variety of roles spanning sales, marketing, communications and general management.

My move to the area of coaching started with the realisation that I spent a lot of my time, both in and out of work, encouraging and motivating people to move forward in their life, to step out of their comfort zone and to strive to maximise their potential by using their natural skills and talents, and that this was an area I was passionate about. I embarked on a Life and Business Coaching course and never looked back! I set up my own coaching consultancy in 2008, initially specialising in Career and Performance Coaching. Over the years I expanded my toolkit, with qualifications in stress management training, cognitive behavioural therapy (CBT) and Sport Psychology , gradually transitioning my business to focus more on Athlete Life and Performance Coaching.

Personal Bests

Because so much of my life revolves around running, both participating and coaching, it made sense that the next phase of my career would focus primarily on running and run coaching, and so Personal Bests was born!

I offer run coaching for individuals and groups, of all levels, either in-person or online. My goal is to foster the same passion for running in others as I have myself, and to provide motivation, support and expert knowledge, along with the wisdom and experience I have gleaned from competing as a Masters athlete. No matter what your level, there is nothing like the sense of accomplishment and fulfilment one gets from stretching themselves to pursue and achieve their goal, whether it be finishing a tough workout, completing the desired distance, achieving a PB, crossing that finish line or earning a podium finish!

I recognise that everyone is different. Each person has a unique set of values, goals, motivators, strengths, mental blocks etc, as well as life/career challenges and time availability. While consistency in training is key, I also understand the importance of balance and keeping stress to a manageable level. My focus is on keeping my athletes, healthy, injury free, and enthusiastic, putting them in the ideal position to achieve their full potential!

What’s unique about me?

I draw on my unique combination of running experience, run coach training, scientific background, and my fascination with the mind and how it works , and how motivation and mindset shape performance . This , along with my passion for running, and for motivating and developing people to be the best they can be, shape my unique style as a coach.

Special Interest Areas

• Masters (over 35) Athletes
• Female athletes
• Life and personal development coaching

Professional qualifications and experience

Honours degree in Pharmacology from UCD

MSc in Biotechnology from NUIG

Diploma in Management from TCD and a Diploma in Public Relations from the Irish Academy of Public Relations.

Diploma Life and Business Coaching (Life & Executive Coaching Institute), Level A & B qualified in Psychometric Testing (British Psychological Society).

Licensed Career Coach with Fireworks Coaching Company which offers a structured career transition programme for those at a career crossroads.

Certificate in Training and Continuing Education from NUI Maynooth , a Diploma in Stress Management Training, a Diploma in Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), and a Diploma in Sport Psychology.